NASA's reputation in the dock

NASA is this week associated with two investigations related to the health and wellbeing of its astronauts. One is a lawsuit relating to former astronaut Lisa Nowak, the other its response to allegations of astronauts being drunk on duty (Image: iStockphoto)

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News Analysis The US space agency has done its best to distance itself from the drama unfolding in an Orlando courtroom that involves two former astronauts.

But with the news that the defendant in the high-profile assault and battery case may plead insanity, NASA has been placed uncomfortably in the spotlight.

In court documents, the lead attorney for ex-astronaut Lisa Nowak outlined several mental conditions that psychiatrists say made her legally insane when she allegedly attacked a romantic rival in an Orlando airport car park.

At least two of the afflictions, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Asperger syndrome, a neurobiological condition related to autism, are marked social and communication disorders that typically manifest in childhood or early adulthood.

Nowak, 44, is a flight engineer and navy captain who passed a thorough psychological screening process and independent review before being accepted into the astronaut corps in 1996.

If a jury accepts the insanity plea, it could beg the question: did NASA miss something?

Nowak's arrest already has sparked changes for the astronaut corps, including additional behavioural screenings prior to flight. Other changes are under consideration.

Drunk on duty?

NASA also spurned an investigation by an independent panel into astronaut health issues. The panel said in July that it had found at least two instances of unnamed astronauts drinking heavily before spaceflight. NASA has announced that it found no proof of the allegations.

Alternatively, NASA personnel may find themselves called to the witness stand to counter defence claims of insanity.

Their evidence? The simple fact that Nowak was assigned to a 2006 space shuttle flight as a robot arm operator, as well as her initial acceptance into the elite astronaut corps.

After Nowak's arrest, NASA reviewed her medical records and reported in July that there were no indications of psychological problems from the time she joined NASA in 1996.

Health screening

So how will the new insanity plea play into ongoing NASA efforts to improve astronaut screening and health concerns?

Administrator Dr Mike Griffin said at a briefing this week, "I don't comment on ongoing legal matters; [it's] just not a good place for us to go."

If she is found not guilty by reason of insanity, Nowak could be confined to a mental hospital for further evaluation. What it would mean for NASA is less certain.